- The return of New World screwworm is increasing the importance of rapid wound management in veterinary medicine.
- Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock with open wounds may be at risk of infestation.
- Vetoquinol USA recommends routine wound surveillance, prompt treatment, and client education.
- Advanced wound therapies, including fluorescent light therapy, may help accelerate healing while enabling regular monitoring.
The reemergence of New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States is placing renewed emphasis on rapid wound care and client education, with veterinary experts warning that any untreated open wound can become a potential site for infestation.
While the majority of confirmed U.S. cases have been identified in cattle, the parasite also threatens horses, dogs, and cats. Because the larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, wounds of any size—including post-surgical incisions, hot spots, puncture wounds, abrasions, and traumatic injuries—can provide an opportunity for infestation.
“The key to preventing NWS infestations is to monitor wounds closely and encourage fast healing,” said Acacia Roman, DVM, Technical Services Veterinarian at Vetoquinol USA. Having previously practiced in Puerto Rico, where vigilance for screwworm has long been necessary, Roman said veterinarians now face additional pressure to ensure wounds heal quickly before flies have the opportunity to lay eggs.
Building a Strong Wound Care Strategy
Roman recommends that veterinary teams adopt a proactive approach to wound management that begins with routine surveillance. She encourages practices to incorporate skin and wound examinations into every patient visit while educating clients to regularly inspect their animals at home.
Controlling ectoparasites also remains an important preventive measure, as flea and tick infestations can create skin lesions that may attract flies. Maintaining consistent parasite prevention protocols can help minimize opportunities for wounds to develop.
Prompt treatment of every wound is equally important. In areas where New World screwworm has been detected—or where the parasite may spread—pet owners should be encouraged to examine their animals for cuts, scrapes, hot spots, or puncture wounds after outdoor activity so treatment can begin immediately.
Tailoring Treatment to the Patient
Roman notes that wound management should be customized to each patient. Bandages can help shield many wounds from fly exposure, while horses may benefit from protective wound sprays in locations where bandaging is impractical.
Vetoquinol also highlights fluorescent light therapy as a tool for accelerating wound healing. According to the company, its Phovia® system can promote natural skin regeneration and may shorten healing times compared with topical and antibiotic treatments alone for many lesions. Weekly treatment sessions also provide veterinary teams with regular opportunities to reassess wounds and monitor for signs of complications or infestation.
Roman added that Phovia can be used alongside immunomodulators, corticosteroids, and most antibiotics, giving clinicians additional flexibility when managing difficult wounds.
As New World screwworm reestablishes a presence in the United States, veterinary professionals are being urged to view rapid wound healing not only as a component of good clinical care, but also as an increasingly important strategy for preventing parasite infestations in companion animals and horses.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
